Drew 43920

I am wondering if some Java Moss would work well on the bottom of a betta tank ?
How about no gravel ?
Something soft for him to rest on ?
Drew

agabr123

I honestly dont know if using java moss as a substrate necessarily is a good idea, but I do know that it needs to anchor to something. I have sand in 2 out of 4 of my betta tanks and will soon be converting the third and fourth. if you wanted java moss, depending on the size of the tank, i would use sand and then tie the moss to some kind of rock.

Drew 43920

I am thinking of making a Java Moss "mat" using nylon mesh. Sort of a moss rug for the bottom of the tank. A place for the Bette to rest. I am concerned about a critter to keep in clean. Maybe a few shrimp ?
Drew

Martinismommy

Drew, I think that would look cool!

CHoffman

I think it would look really neat but keeping it clean would be a problem...Shrimp would get the left over food but the poo would be hard to get out of the moss...I have a hard time with it just on a pot of mine...If you could find a way to clean it then it would be awesome..

pinkfloydpuffer

I was totally thinking about doing this just a few days ago, mat and all... Just trying to figure out how to clean it without sucking up all the mossy strings is the problem...

Right now my betta tank is barebottom

Drew 43920

That is a problem. Water changes ? A very gentle gravel filter ? Remove mat weekly and rinse in "good" water ?
Drew

pinkfloydpuffer

Maybe I'd have to lift up the mat with each change, rinse it in water, and vacuum the bottom of the tank to remove the gunk...
Maybe put the moss in the middle of 2 layers of mesh? That way it's easier to remove?

Drew 43920

I was thinking 2 layers of mesh but did not mention it. How about 2 layers of mesh with a string attached to pull it out. Or just pull it to the side to vacuum. Maybe mat is only half size of bottom. Move it around, flip it over ?
Drew

pinkfloydpuffer

Hmm... I'm really liking this idea...
2 layers, sewed or sealed somehow around the edge, full or half size of tank...
My creative wheels are turning!